A new series of free learning collaborations between Council and Keep Learning Mid Canterbury is aimed at growing skills in the community, from food safety practices to using social media in business.

Two events have been held recently and a third is planned for 21 October, when the subject will be dog ownership.

Group Manager of Compliance and Development Ian Hyde said the learning collabs were a great way to share knowledge.

“Council has lots of resources and subject matter experts, and the learning events are aimed at passing on information that might be helpful to residents, in their personal or work lives.”

The first learning workshop was organised with Sharon Watson from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, and was around helping job seekers build confidence and dress for job interview success.

The second was a food safety workshop, which attracted 37 participants, and was aimed at upskilling food vendors and community groups wanting to sell dishes at local markets and other events.

Mr Hyde said it was great to see many migrants at the workshop, learning about mandatory food safety practices in New Zealand.

“Just coming to the workshop is the first step in gaining the qualifications they need to sell food to the public. I know some are hoping in the future to share dishes from their homeland at events like the Hakatere Noodle Festival.”

The next learning collab is on Tuesday 21 October and the subject of dog ownership is expected to be popular.

It is a people-only event, but the workshop will cover dog training and behaviour tips, dog health and wellbeing, council rules and responsibilities and lots of local information for dog owners.

A panel of dog experts, including a veterinarian and a dog trainer, will also be on hand to answer questions.

Mr Hyde said the dog ownership workshop would be packed with useful tips and advice, for new and experienced dog owners.

“Whether you’re considering getting a dog, or just want to be a more responsible and confident dog owner, this is the workshop to come to.”

Bookings for the free dog ownership event will open in September, and the event will be listed on keeplearningmc.nz, where you can reserve a place.

Other learning workshops planned for 2026 will be about improving confidence and employability (from CVs to interview tips), and business development (including how to use social media and building your digital profile).

Keep Learning Mid Canterbury coordinator Kate White values working with Council staff to deliver events that will support local businesses and address learning needs in the community.

“Council has a lot of resources that it can share with the community and it’s great that Keep Learning Mid Canterbury can be a partner and help spread the word.”